UP cops attempts suicide, claims harassment over seized firecrackers

A UP Police head constable allegedly attempted suicide following a dispute over seized Diwali firecrackers. His harassment claims and allegations of irregular distribution have triggered an enquiry.

In Short

• Vishal Singh found unconscious inside police station
• He was hospitalised, shifted to private care and is improving
• His WhatsApp note accused senior officers and others of harassment

A 33-year-old Uttar Pradesh Police head constable allegedly attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance after a dispute with his seniors over firecrackers seized on Diwali night, news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing police.

Head constable Vishal Singh, who is posted at Nichlaul police station in Maharajganj, was found unconscious on the police station premises late on Sunday night. He was taken to a government hospital and later shifted to a private hospital. His condition is said to be improving.

Before the incident, Singh posted a note as his WhatsApp status accusing Station House Officer Yogendra Rai and other police personnel of harassing him over the seized firecrackers, police said on Monday.

In the note, Singh alleged that around 40 per cent of the seized firecrackers had been taken away. He claimed that some of the remaining stock was handed over to an accused, identified as Kausman Ali, under pressure from the SHO.

Singh also alleged that he was humiliated after being accused of stealing the firecrackers. He named Rai, constables Manish Singh and Anand Singh, BJP MLA Premsagar Patel, Vishal Yadav, Bholu Yadav and Alok Sharma, accusing them of harassment.

The head constable further claimed that a policeman, Vishal Sharma, had recorded a video of the alleged distribution of firecrackers on his mobile phone, PTI reported, citing police.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the responses of those named in the note were not immediately available. No response could be obtained from Patel, the BJP MLA from the Siswa Assembly constituency.

Nichlaul Circle Officer Ravindra Kumar Singh said the head constable had been under mental distress and that an investigation was underway. "Further action will be taken after completion of the inquiry," he said.

Police are investigating Singh's allegations of harassment and irregularities involving the seized firecrackers, while the head constable remains under treatment and is said to be recovering.

- Ends